Obituary of Mary Martina Scanlan Backus

Smethport-Mary Martina Scanlan Backus, 103, died on January 7, 2016 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA. Mary was born in Colegrove, PA, on July 30 1912, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Bessie Heinemann Scanlan. On April 29, 1939 Mary married William Frederick Backus in Smethport, PA. Mrs. Backus attended elementary and high school at St. Elizabeth's Academy in Allegany, NY. She received her bachelor's degree from Villa Maria College in Erie, PA, attended Pennsylvania State University at University Park, PA, and completed internships at Polk Center in Mercer, PA, and Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, receiving certificates and degrees in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Home Economics, and Dietetics. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Backus worked at Jefferson Hospital and Westinghouse in Philadelphia, PA and was a teacher in Crosby, PA. Mrs. Backus was a devout member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Smethport and only missed religious services due to the most extreme circumstances. She was also a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of The Americas. Mrs. Backus was the second of eight children born to Lawrence and Bessie Scanlan. Her parents, brothers Lawrence, Anthony, Nicholas, and James, and sisters Jeannie Fay, Sr. Mary Lawrence Scanlan, and Anne Healy preceded her in death. Also preceding Mary in death were her husband William and her eldest child, Daniel Meredith. Surviving children are Jeffrey Kevin Backus of Pittsburgh, Lauren Backus Haag of State College, PA, and Kathleen Backus (Neil) Cocolin of State College, PA. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Helen Canfield, Greer Barr, and Barb Dewyer for their loving care, the staff at Sena Kean Manor, and her nieces, nephews and Deborah Babcox for their devoted attention. Visitation will be held at the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, on Monday, January 11, 2016, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services for Mrs. Backus will be held on January 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Smethport with Fr. Vincent Cieslewicz, Jr. officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall. Because of Mrs. Backus' life-long, deep love of animals and strong religious commitment, the family suggests that those wishing to make donations consider Pets Come First (2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall PA, 16828), any non-kill shelter of their choice, or St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Smethport, PA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.